Bill-Bijon Parker is close to fulfilling his dreams of playing college football. The Fairfax senior wide receiver/cornerback is 6-1, 170 pounds, runs a 4.5 second 40 yard dash, and he has a 3.5 grade point average. Photo by Jason Lewis

Bill-Bijon Parker caught a 28-yard touchdown pass against Hamilton. He also intercepted two passes in the game. Photo by Jason Lewis

Bill-Bijon Parker has had a dream ever since he started playing tackle football for the Wilshire Huskies in the Valley Youth Conference seven years ago. That is to play college football.

Through hard work on the field and in the classroom at Fairfax High School, Parker is just a matter of months away from realizing his dream. Standing at 6-1 and 170 pounds, with 4.5 seconds 40-yard dash speed and a 3.5 grade point average in the classroom, Parker has caught the eye of UCLA, Arizona State, and San Diego State.

During Fairfax games Parker rarely comes off the field as he plays wide receiver, cornerback, punt returner, and he is the placeholder on kicks. This is nothing new to him, as he enjoyed his time while learning numerous positions while playing at Wilshire.

"It was great," Parker said. "They showed me how to play a bunch of different positions. It made me a better athlete on the field."

Parker has also received training at numerous camps, such as camps at UCLA, USC, San Diego State, and he has worked out with Pride N Skills and B2G Sports.

"I've been coached by a variety of different coaches from different universities," Parker said. "They've showed me a lot of things that's helped me on the field. It's helped me by keeping me conditioned, and it's helped me to help my teammates when they need help with drills, because I already know them."

Parker enjoys his numerous roles on Fairfax's team because he likes to be on the field at all times. This past Friday against Hamilton, Parker caught a 28-yard touchdown pass and intercepted two passes, one which he returned for a touchdown (which was called back because of a penalty on the return). His great play helped Fairfax knock off Hamilton 42-8.

On Parker's touchdown catch he simply outran the defenders on a post patter and was all by himself in the endzone. On the two interceptions he used his instincts and intelligence to make plays on the ball.

In a certain formation Parker noticed that the wide receiver on his side would run a curl pattern. So he jumped the route for an easy interception. On his second pick of the game, the two receivers on his side ran crossing routes, hoping to suck him in to the inside while the quarterback looked to hit the receiver running to the outside. But Parker did not bite on the inside route by the outside receiver, and by smartly staying in his zone the ball was pretty much thrown right to him.

Being a smart person has helped Parker play well on the field, and it helps him in the classroom, where his favorite classes are in science. Those classes are tough, so he knows to ask for help when he needs it. He has taken advantage of a free program where the tutor comes to his house to help him out.

Parker is shaping up to be a good young man, in part because of a good support system at home, and attending Southern Missionary Baptist Church.

"It showed me to stay in touch with God and pray with my team," Parker said.

Parker also participated in a community service program that feeds the homeless at various parks in the Los Angeles area.

Parker has been working on his dream for some time now, and after that, he will set his sights on new dreams.